What is an Addict?

An addict is an individual who has developed a dependency on a substance (such as alcohol, drugs, or nicotine) or a behaviour (such as gambling, gaming, or shopping). This dependency results in compulsive and often uncontrollable behaviours, even in the face of negative consequences.

Signs of Addiction

Recognising addiction involves observing a range of physical, behavioural, and psychological signs. Here are some common indicators:

Physical Signs:

1. Tolerance: Needing more of the substance or engaging more frequently in the behaviour to achieve the same effect.
2. Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical or emotional symptoms when not using the substance or engaging in the behaviour (e.g., anxiety, irritability, tremors).
3. Changes in Appearance: Noticeable changes in weight, hygiene, and overall appearance.
4. Health Issues: Development of health problems related to the substance use or behaviour (e.g., liver damage from alcohol, lung disease from smoking).

Behavioural Signs:

1. Loss of Control: Inability to stop using a substance or engaging in a behaviour, even when wanting to.
2. Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring or neglecting work, school, or family obligations due to the substance use or behaviour.
3. Secretive Behaviour: Hiding the substance use or behaviour from others, becoming more isolated.
4. Financial Problems: Spending excessive amounts of money on the substance or behaviour, leading to financial issues.

Psychological Signs:

1. Cravings: Intense urges or cravings to use the substance or engage in the behaviour.
2. Emotional Changes: Increased anxiety, depression, mood swings, or irritability.
3. Preoccupation: Constantly thinking about the substance or behaviour, planning how to obtain or engage in it.
4. Denial: Denying the extent of the problem or making excuses for the substance use or behaviour.

How Can One Become an Addict?

Addiction can develop due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors:

Genetic Factors:

1. Family History: A family history of addiction can increase the risk due to genetic predisposition.
2. Biological Differences: Variations in brain chemistry and function can make some individuals more susceptible to addiction.

Environmental Factors:

1. Exposure: Early exposure to addictive substances or behaviours can increase the risk of developing an addiction.
2. Stress and Trauma: High levels of stress or exposure to traumatic events can lead individuals to use substances or behaviours as coping mechanisms.
3. Peer Pressure: Social environments where substance use or addictive behaviours are prevalent can influence individuals to partake.

Psychological Factors:

1. Mental Health Disorders: Conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD can increase the risk of addiction as individuals may use substances or behaviours to self-medicate.
2. Personality Traits: Traits such as impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and risk-taking can contribute to the development of addiction.

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterised by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. It can involve not only substances but also behaviours like gambling, gaming, or shopping.

Characteristics of Addiction:

1. Compulsion: A strong urge to engage in the addictive behaviour or use the substance.
2. Loss of Control: Inability to control the amount or frequency of use.
3. Negative Consequences: Continued use despite awareness of the negative impact on one’s health, relationships, and life.
4. Denial: Refusing to acknowledge the severity of the problem.

Recognising the signs of addiction and understanding how it develops is crucial for early intervention and treatment. Seeking help from healthcare professionals, counsellors, or support groups can significantly improve the chances of overcoming addiction and leading a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Addiction is often referred to as a progressive disease because it tends to worsen over time if left untreated. The term “progressive” indicates that the symptoms and negative consequences of addiction increase in severity and frequency. Here are some key reasons why addiction is considered a progressive disease:

1. Escalation of Use:

• Tolerance: Over time, individuals with addiction develop tolerance, meaning they need to use more of the substance or engage more frequently in the behaviour to achieve the same effect. This leads to escalating use.
• Increased Frequency: The frequency of substance use or engagement in the addictive behaviour often increases as the addiction progresses.

2. Worsening Physical Health:

• Health Deterioration: Chronic use of addictive substances or behaviours can lead to significant physical health problems, such as liver disease, heart disease, respiratory issues, and neurological damage.
• Compounded Health Issues: As addiction progresses, multiple health issues can compound, leading to a decline in overall health.

3. Mental Health Decline:

• Psychological Effects: Addiction often leads to worsening mental health, including increased anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders.
• Cognitive Decline: Long-term addiction can impair cognitive functions such as memory, decision-making, and problem-solving.

4. Behavioral Changes:

• Increased Risk-Taking: As addiction progresses, individuals may engage in increasingly risky behaviours to obtain the substance or fulfil the addictive behaviour.
• Neglect of Responsibilities: There is often a gradual but increasing neglect of personal, professional, and social responsibilities.

5. Social Consequences:

• Isolation: Individuals may become increasingly isolated from friends and family as they prioritise their addiction over relationships.
• Strained Relationships: Ongoing addiction can strain or break relationships due to trust issues, neglect, and harmful behaviours.

6. Impact on Daily Life:

• Diminished Quality of Life: Over time, addiction can significantly diminish the overall quality of life, affecting employment, education, and daily functioning.
• Financial Problems: Progressive addiction often leads to severe financial issues due to the costs associated with sustaining the addiction.

7. Compulsion and Loss of Control:

• Increased Compulsion: The compulsion to use substances or engage in addictive behaviours often becomes stronger and more uncontrollable.
• Loss of Control: As the addiction progresses, individuals may find it increasingly difficult to control their behaviour despite the negative consequences.

8. Withdrawal Symptoms:

• Severity of Withdrawal: Withdrawal symptoms can become more severe over time, making it harder for individuals to quit without professional help.
• Fear of Withdrawal: The fear of experiencing withdrawal symptoms can perpetuate the cycle of addiction, leading to further progression.

Importance of Early Intervention:

Due to the progressive nature of addiction, early intervention is crucial. Addressing addiction early can prevent the worsening of symptoms and the development of more severe health and social consequences. Treatment options such as therapy, counselling, support groups, and medical intervention can help individuals manage and overcome their addiction, improving their chances of long-term recovery and a better quality of life.

Addiction counselling is a professional therapeutic service that helps individuals understand and overcome their addiction through personalized strategies, emotional support, and coping mechanisms to maintain long-term recovery.

The Disease Model of Addiction

The disease model of addiction views addiction as a chronic, relapsing disease that changes the brain’s structure and function. This model emphasises that addiction is not a moral failing or lack of willpower but a medical condition that requires treatment and management. Here’s a detailed explanation:

Key Features of the Disease Model:

1. Chronic Condition:

   • Addiction is considered a long-term condition that can be managed but not cured. Similar to other chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension, addiction requires ongoing treatment and lifestyle changes.

2. Brain Changes:

   • Repeated use of addictive substances or behaviours leads to significant changes in the brain. These changes affect areas involved in reward, motivation, memory, and control, making it difficult for individuals to resist the urge to use or engage in the addictive behaviour.

3. Genetic and Environmental Factors:

   • The disease model recognises that both genetic predispositions and environmental factors contribute to the development of addiction. This includes family history, early exposure to substances, and stressful or traumatic life experiences.

4. Progressive Nature:

   • Addiction tends to worsen over time if left untreated. This progressive nature means that the consequences and severity of the addiction increase, impacting an individual’s health, relationships, and overall functioning.

Addiction and Brain Changes

Addiction is not just about a lack of control or willpower. It involves profound changes in the brain that affect behaviour. Here’s how:

1. Reward System:

   • Addictive substances and behaviours overstimulate the brain’s reward system, releasing large amounts of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This creates a strong association between the substance or behaviour and pleasure.

2. Tolerance:

   • Over time, the brain adjusts to the high levels of dopamine by reducing its own production or the number of dopamine receptors. This leads to tolerance, where more of the substance or more frequent engagement in the behaviour is needed to achieve the same pleasurable effect.

3. Dependence:

   • As tolerance builds, the brain becomes dependent on the substance or behaviour to function normally. Without it, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms, including physical and emotional distress.

4. Compulsion and Cravings:

   • The changes in the brain also affect the areas responsible for judgment, decision-making, and self-control. This leads to compulsive use and intense cravings, even in the face of negative consequences.

5. Memory and Learning:

   • The brain forms powerful associations between the substance or behaviour and certain cues or contexts. This learning process means that exposure to these cues can trigger strong urges to use, even after long periods of abstinence.

Addiction is About Change, Not Control

Given the brain changes involved in addiction, recovery is less about exercising control over use and more about initiating and sustaining change in behaviour and lifestyle. Here’s how:

1. Treatment and Support:

   • Effective treatment for addiction often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and support groups. These treatments help manage withdrawal symptoms, address underlying psychological issues, and provide strategies for coping without relying on the addictive substance or behaviour.

2. Behavioural Therapy:

   • Therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) help individuals identify and change the thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to their addiction. Therapy also focuses on developing healthy coping mechanisms and life skills.

3. Medication:

   • In some cases, medications can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for individuals to abstain from substance use. Medications can also treat co-occurring mental health disorders, improving overall treatment outcomes.

4. Lifestyle Changes:

   • Recovery involves making significant lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers, building a supportive social network, and engaging in healthy activities that promote well-being.

5. Relapse Prevention:

   • Understanding that relapse is often a part of the recovery journey helps individuals prepare for and manage setbacks. Ongoing support and treatment adjustments can help prevent relapse and maintain long-term recovery.

6. Support Systems:

   • Building and maintaining strong support systems, including family, friends, and support groups, is crucial for sustained recovery. These systems provide encouragement, accountability, and a sense of community.

In summary, the disease model of addiction highlights that addiction is a medical condition involving significant brain changes, rather than a matter of willpower or control. Effective recovery focuses on initiating and maintaining change through comprehensive treatment, behavioural therapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, and robust support systems.

Substance addiction involves dependence on drugs or alcohol, while process addiction relates to compulsive behaviors such as gambling, shopping, or internet use. Both types can disrupt daily life and require professional intervention.

The coping model of addiction posits that addictive behaviors serve as a means for individuals to cope with stress, emotional pain, and other psychological distress. According to this model, addiction develops and persists because the substance use or behavior provides temporary relief or escape from uncomfortable emotions and situations. Key components of the coping model of addiction include:

1. Stress and Emotional Pain

• Individuals often turn to substances or addictive behaviors as a way to manage stress and emotional pain. This can include anxiety, depression, trauma, loneliness, and other negative emotional states. The addiction provides a temporary reprieve from these feelings.

2. Maladaptive Coping Mechanisms

• Addictive behaviors are seen as maladaptive coping mechanisms. Instead of addressing the root causes of their distress or developing healthy coping strategies, individuals rely on substances or behaviors that ultimately exacerbate their problems and create a cycle of dependence.

3. Immediate Relief and Reinforcement

• The immediate relief provided by addictive behaviors reinforces their use. The brain’s reward system releases dopamine during substance use or addictive activities, creating pleasurable sensations that encourage repetition. Over time, this reinforcement strengthens the addiction.

4. Avoidance of Problems

• Addictive behaviors allow individuals to avoid confronting their problems directly. By numbing or escaping their emotional pain, they temporarily sidestep the need to deal with underlying issues, which can include unresolved trauma, relationship problems, or personal insecurities.

5. Development of Tolerance

• As individuals continue to use substances or engage in addictive behaviors to cope, they often develop a tolerance. This means they need increasing amounts of the substance or more frequent engagement in the behavior to achieve the same level of relief, further entrenching the addiction.

6. Impact on Mental Health

• While initially providing temporary relief, addiction often worsens mental health over time. The stress of maintaining the addiction, the consequences of addictive behaviors, and the neglect of underlying issues can all contribute to deteriorating mental health, creating a vicious cycle.

7. Integrated Treatment Approaches

• The coping model emphasizes the importance of developing healthy coping strategies to replace addictive behaviors. Treatment approaches often include:
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, and develop healthy coping skills.
  • Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques: Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises to manage stress and emotional pain.
  • Support Groups: Provide a sense of community and shared experience, helping individuals feel less isolated in their struggles.
  • Trauma-Informed Care: Addresses underlying trauma that may contribute to addiction, helping individuals process and heal from past experiences.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Encourages the adoption of healthier habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep, to improve overall well-being.

8. Building Resilience

• Effective treatment also focuses on building resilience. This involves developing the ability to bounce back from adversity, handle stress in a healthy way, and maintain emotional balance. Building resilience can help individuals manage future challenges without resorting to addictive behaviors.

By understanding addiction as a coping mechanism, this model provides a framework for addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of addiction. It emphasizes the importance of developing healthy ways to manage stress and emotional pain, ultimately leading to more sustainable recovery and well-being.

The trauma model of addiction posits that unresolved trauma and adverse life experiences significantly contribute to the development and perpetuation of addictive behaviors. This model suggests that individuals use substances or engage in addictive behaviors as a way to cope with the emotional pain and distress caused by trauma. Key components of the trauma model of addiction include:

1. Underlying Trauma

Trauma can result from a variety of experiences, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, violence, loss, or other significant adverse events. These experiences can create deep emotional wounds that, if left unaddressed, can lead individuals to seek relief through addictive behaviors.

2. Self-Medication

According to the trauma model, individuals may use substances or engage in addictive behaviors as a form of self-medication to numb or escape the pain associated with their traumatic experiences. This coping mechanism provides temporary relief but often leads to a cycle of dependence and addiction.

3. Dysregulation of the Stress Response

Trauma can alter the body’s stress response system, leading to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This dysregulation can result in heightened sensitivity to stress and difficulty managing emotions, making individuals more vulnerable to using substances or behaviors to cope.

4. Attachment and Relationship Issues

Trauma, especially in early childhood, can disrupt the development of healthy attachment and relationships. This can lead to feelings of isolation, mistrust, and difficulty forming meaningful connections, which can drive individuals towards addictive behaviors as a way to fill the void or manage emotional distress.

5. Re-enactment and Avoidance

Individuals with unresolved trauma may re-enact aspects of their trauma through addictive behaviors, often unconsciously. This re-enactment can serve as a way to gain a sense of control or familiarity, even if it is harmful. Additionally, avoidance of trauma-related thoughts and feelings can reinforce the use of substances or behaviors as a coping mechanism.

6. Integrated Treatment Approaches

The trauma model of addiction emphasizes the importance of addressing both trauma and addiction simultaneously for effective treatment. Integrated treatment approaches may include trauma-informed care, therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and other modalities that focus on healing trauma and developing healthy coping strategies.

7. Safety and Stabilization

Creating a sense of safety and stability is a critical first step in the treatment of individuals with trauma and addiction. This involves establishing a supportive therapeutic environment, building trust, and helping individuals develop skills to manage distress and regulate emotions.

By understanding and addressing the role of trauma in addiction, the trauma model provides a comprehensive framework for helping individuals heal from both their addiction and the underlying emotional wounds that contribute to it.

Addiction is considered a chronic condition that can be effectively managed but not cured. Recovery involves continuous effort, support, and sometimes ongoing treatment to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.

The duration of de-addiction counselling varies based on individual needs, the severity of the addiction, and progress in therapy. It can range from several months to years, with long-term support often being beneficial.

Addiction is recognized as a disease because it involves changes in brain chemistry and function. This understanding promotes compassionate treatment and support rather than blame. However, individuals remain responsible for seeking help and working towards recovery. 

A “dry drunk” refers to someone who abstains from substances but has not addressed the underlying emotional and psychological issues. True recovery involves more than just abstinence; it requires addressing the root causes of addiction.

Codependency is a behavioral condition where one person enables another’s addiction or unhealthy behavior, often through excessive emotional or psychological reliance. It can be detrimental to both parties involved.

The 3Cs of codependency are: You didn’t cause it, you can’t control it, and you can’t cure it. These principles help individuals understand their limitations in managing another person’s addiction.

The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA):

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous (NA):

1. We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. We made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

The 12 Steps of Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA):

1. We admitted we were powerless over addictive sexual behavior—that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other sex addicts and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

The 12 Steps of Gamblers Anonymous (GA):

1. We admitted we were powerless over gambling—that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to a normal way of thinking and living.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of this Power of our own understanding.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral and financial inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have these defects of character removed.
7. Humbly asked God (of our understanding) to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God (as we understood Him), praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having made an effort to practice these principles in all our affairs, we tried to carry this message to other compulsive gamblers.

Each of these 12-step programs uses a similar framework adapted to address the specific challenges associated with different types of addictions.

These steps provide a framework for individuals to follow in their recovery journey, emphasising self-awareness, responsibility, and the importance of community and spirituality.

Significance of the 4th and 5th Steps of the 12-Step Program:

4th Step: “Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”

• Self-Reflection: The 4th step requires individuals to take an honest look at their lives, behaviors, and patterns. This step involves listing resentments, fears, harms done to others, and any character defects.
• Accountability: It helps individuals recognize and accept responsibility for their actions and the impact they have had on their lives and the lives of others.
• Foundation for Change: By identifying these aspects, individuals can begin to understand the root causes of their addiction and prepare for the changes needed for recovery.

5th Step: “Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”

• Sharing and Honesty: This step involves sharing the moral inventory taken in Step 4 with another person, often a sponsor or counselor, and with a higher power (as understood by the individual).
• Relief and Humility: Admitting these faults to another human being can provide a sense of relief and humility, breaking the isolation and secrecy that often accompanies addiction.
• Building Trust: This step helps to build trust and strengthen the support system, making the individual more open to guidance and support.

The Need for a Counsellor and How They Can Help:

Need for a Counselor:

• Guidance: Counsellors can provide professional guidance through the complex emotional and psychological aspects of the 4th and 5th steps.
• Support: They offer a supportive and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings.
• Skills and Tools: Counselors can equip individuals with coping strategies, communication skills, and tools for managing emotions and behaviors.

How CounseLlors Can Help:

• Facilitating Self-Discovery: Counsellors can help individuals dig deeper into their inventories, ensuring that they identify all relevant issues and patterns.
• Providing Perspective: They offer an objective perspective, helping individuals see their situation more clearly and understand the broader context of their actions.
• Emotional Support: Counselors provide emotional support and validation, helping individuals cope with the guilt, shame, or fear that may arise during these steps.
• Building a Plan: They can help create a structured plan for making amends and developing healthier behaviors, which is essential for long-term recovery.
• Ensuring Accountability: Regular sessions with a counselor can help individuals stay accountable to their recovery process and continue making progress.

In summary, the 4th and 5th steps are crucial for self-examination and honesty, laying the groundwork for meaningful change. A counselor plays a vital role in guiding, supporting, and providing the tools necessary for individuals to navigate these steps effectively, ultimately aiding in their journey toward recovery.

Role of a Sponsor:

In 12-Step Programmes:

1. Peer Support: Sponsors are typically individuals who have successfully completed the 12 steps and have maintained their sobriety for a significant period. They offer peer-to-peer support based on their personal experiences.
2. Guidance Through Steps: Sponsors guide newcomers through the 12 steps, sharing their insights and personal experiences to help others understand and apply the steps in their own recovery journey.
3. Accountability: Sponsors help hold individuals accountable by providing regular check-ins and encouraging them to stay committed to their recovery process.
4. Emotional Support: They offer emotional support, understanding, and encouragement, especially during difficult times. They are available to listen and provide empathy from someone who has been through similar experiences.
5. Availability: Sponsors are often available to their sponsees 24/7, providing immediate support during crises or moments of temptation. This level of availability depends on the individual sponsor but generally allows for more immediate and frequent contact.
6. Non-Professional: Sponsors are not trained professionals. Their guidance is based on their personal recovery journey and experiences within the 12-step programme.

Role of a Counsellor:

In Professional Therapy:

1. Professional Training: Counsellors are trained mental health professionals with education and credentials in psychology, counselling, or social work. They use evidence-based therapeutic techniques and interventions.
2. Therapeutic Interventions: Counsellors provide a range of therapeutic interventions tailored to the individual’s specific needs. These can include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, trauma therapy, and more.
3. Comprehensive Assessment: Counsellors conduct comprehensive assessments to understand the individual’s mental health status, history, and underlying issues contributing to addiction.
4. Emotional and Psychological Support: They offer professional support for emotional and psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and other co-occurring disorders.
5. Confidentiality and Ethics: Counsellors adhere to strict ethical guidelines and maintain confidentiality. They provide a safe and non-judgemental environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings.
6. Long-Term Planning: Counsellors help develop long-term recovery and treatment plans, addressing not only addiction but also overall mental health and well-being.
7. Holistic Approach: They often take a holistic approach, considering various aspects of an individual’s life, including relationships, work, and physical health, to support comprehensive recovery.
8. Boundaries: Counsellors have set professional boundaries and typically operate within scheduled appointment times. They are not available 24/7, ensuring a structured and balanced approach to care for both the client and the counsellor.

Key Differences:

1. Training and Credentials: Sponsors are peers with lived experience in recovery, while counsellors are trained and credentialed professionals.
2. Approach: Sponsors offer guidance based on personal experience within the 12-step framework. Counsellors use evidence-based therapeutic techniques and comprehensive assessments.
3. Scope of Support: Sponsors focus on guiding individuals through the 12 steps and providing peer support. Counsellors address a broader range of emotional, psychological, and behavioural issues, offering professional interventions and long-term treatment planning.
4. Ethical Standards: Counsellors adhere to professional ethical standards and maintain confidentiality, whereas sponsors are not bound by the same professional ethics and may have different boundaries.
5. Availability: Sponsors can often be contacted at any time, offering immediate support when needed. In contrast, counsellors maintain professional boundaries with set appointment times and are not available 24/7.
6. Objective: The primary role of a sponsor is to support individuals through the 12-step programme and share their recovery journey. A counsellor’s role is to provide professional therapeutic support to address a wide range of mental health and addiction-related issues.

Both sponsors and counsellors play crucial roles in the recovery process, offering complementary support. Sponsors provide valuable peer guidance and support within the context of the 12-step programme, while counsellors offer professional therapeutic interventions and comprehensive care.

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A sponsor, typically part of a 12-step program, provides guidance, accountability, and support to someone in recovery. Support groups offer a community of peers who share experiences, encouragement, and practical advice for maintaining sobriety.

We use trauma-informed approaches, including EMDR and EFT, to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences that may contribute to their addiction.